A dental implant is a small titanium post that is surgically placed into your jawbone to replace the root of a missing tooth. Once the implant integrates with the bone — a process called osseointegration — a custom crown, bridge, or denture is attached on top. The result is a replacement tooth that looks, feels, and functions like a natural tooth.
The implant itself has three parts: the post (placed in the bone), the abutment (a connector piece), and the restoration (the visible tooth). At Texas Dental Implant Center in Houston, Dr. Michel Azer — a board-certified periodontist — places implants using 3D-guided surgery for precise positioning and predictable results. Whether you need to replace one tooth or a full arch, the underlying process is the same: a titanium post fuses with your jawbone to create a permanent foundation for your new teeth.
Three essential components work together to create a permanent tooth replacement.
A small titanium screw placed directly into your jawbone. Titanium is biocompatible, meaning your body accepts it and bone grows around it naturally. This post acts as your new tooth root.
A connector piece that sits on top of the implant post, just above the gum line. The abutment is what your final restoration attaches to.
The visible part — a custom-made crown, bridge, or full-arch prosthesis designed to match your natural teeth in shape and color.
Your first visit includes a CBCT 3D scan of your jaw, a clinical exam, and a one-on-one with Dr. Azer. He evaluates your bone density, gum health, and overall oral condition to determine if implants are right for you — and which type. You'll leave with a treatment plan and full cost breakdown.
Using your 3D scan, Dr. Azer digitally plans exactly where each implant will be placed. This guided approach means no guesswork — the angle, depth, and position are mapped before surgery begins.
Dr. Azer surgically places the titanium post into your jawbone. Most patients describe the procedure as more comfortable than they expected. Depending on your case, you may receive a temporary restoration the same day.
Over the next 3–6 months, your jawbone fuses with the titanium post. This is what gives dental implants their strength and permanence. During this time, you'll have a temporary tooth so you're never without a smile.
Once the implant has fully integrated, Dr. Azer places the abutment and your custom-made final restoration — whether that's a single crown, a bridge, or a full-arch prosthesis. Your new teeth are designed to match your natural smile.
Dental implants are made from medical-grade titanium — the same material used in joint replacements and orthopedic surgery. Titanium is biocompatible, meaning your body doesn't reject it. Instead, bone cells grow directly onto the implant surface, creating a bond that can last a lifetime with proper care.
The implant post itself can last 25+ years — often a lifetime. The restoration on top (the crown or bridge) typically lasts 10–15 years before it may need to be replaced due to normal wear, similar to a traditional crown. With regular checkups and good oral hygiene, dental implants are the most durable tooth replacement option available.
At Texas Dental Implant Center, every implant is placed by Dr. Michel Azer — a board-certified periodontist with advanced surgical training from Boston University. Periodontists specialize in the bone and gum tissue that support your teeth, which is exactly what implant surgery requires. Many of Dr. Azer's patients are referred by their general dentist or other specialists who trust his training.
Meet Dr. Azer →